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Sandy Denny's Blog

  • New book on Sandy by Philip Ward out this year

    Philip Ward is publishing a compendium of his writings on Sandy which have appeared in magazines, album notes and online over the years, together with new material and a host of photos, some of them previously unpublished.
    Entitled Sandy Denny: Reflections on Her Music, This will be available through all good bookshops, from Amazon UK or direct from the publisher (links at the bottom of the note).
    From the back cover:
    …In this book Philip Ward, who has made a close study of the artist, presents a series of personal 'reflections' on her life and work. He fills in details overlooked by her biographers, surveys recent reissues of her recordings and offers the first in-depth analysis of her songwriting. He looks back to the public events marking the thirtieth anniversary of her death and assesses her alongside some of her contemporaries. In the author's words, the book is 'a series of experiments' in how to write about the subject. It concludes with a detailed essay arguing the case that, long before Amy Winehouse or Kate Bush, Denny was the first British female singer-songwriter of international stature.
    "Philip Ward's analyses of Sandy's songs are original, thorough and insightful. I learned a lot from reading them."Joe Boyd, record producer.
    Philip Ward
    Sandy Denny: Reflections on Her Music
    Matador Press
    Publication: 7 November 2011
    RRP: £9.99
    ISBN 978-1780880204
    Amazon UK
    Troubador Publishing

    Cover of Philip Ward's book on Sandy designed by Andrew Batt
  • 'Don't Stop Singing', Thea Gilmore and Sandy Denny: a collaboration across the generations

    Island Records are excited to announce that October 24th heralds the release of an important new album. Thea Gilmore and Sandy Denny release Don't Stop Singing, a collaboration across the generations between Thea and Sandy.
    In late 2010 Thea Gilmore was commissioned by Sandy's estate, in conjunction with Island Records, to write melodies for unfinished manuscripts, lyrics without music, and works in progress to finally bring some of Sandy's last works to the world.
    Don't Stop Singing is the result. An album of 10 beautiful songs, Thea's peerless voice and melodic gifts bring the Denny spirit and vision into the 21st century. The album ranges from the uplifting 'Glistening Bay', an epihany rooted in stirring natural imagery borne along by piano and sweeping strings, to the dark personal imagery of 'Pain In My Heart' and 'Long Time Gone' to the exquisitely fragile lullaby 'Georgia'... all tied together by the title track, a pithy and infectiously catchy nod to the enduring power of music.
    The strings on Don't Stop Singing were arranged and led by gifted young Scottish musician Donald Grant, who featured to great acclaim last year on Kate Rusby's Make The Light album. Other guests on a truly generation-transcending album include Benji Kirkpatrick from Bellowhead and his legendary acordion playing father John Kirkpatrick, who himself featured on Sandy.
    It's been an affecting journey for Thea, who grew up both geographically and spiritually close to Sandy and the Fairport's world. It's also a piece of work she feels deeply proud of. Don't Stop Singing is an unprecedented meeting of musical minds. And also a work of spine-tingling beauty.
    Listen to the opening song from the album 'Glistening Bay' on Soundcloud
  • A rare early recording released of Sandy at 19 Rupert Street

    A rare early recording of Sandy performing with Alex Campbell at his house at 19 Rupert Street in 1967 is to be released by Witchwood Media in September 2011. The recording includes performances of a number of songs that Sandy never recorded, (including tracks like John Martyn's Fairytale Lullaby and the traditional The Leaves of Life) making this an essential release for fans.
    Further information on this release can be found here
  • Sandy Denny merchandise store is now open

    The Official Sandy Denny merchandise store is now open. Check out the range of mugs and t-shirts here

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